Judge Abdulla under supervision for the sake of national security: Thalhath

Defence Minister Thalhath Ibrahim Kaleyfaan has said that the Chief Judge of Criminal Court Abdulla Mohamed is not detained, but under the supervision of Defence Forces for the sake of national security.

Thalhath, who was summoned to the Parliament’s National Security Committee last night, replied “briefly” to opposition groups’ questions. He said that MNDF has complied with court orders; however, it has not released Judge Abdulla as ordered by the Supreme Court in order to ensure national security. He did not specify how Judge Abdulla is a threat to national security.

Judge Abdulla has now been held in the captivity of Defence Forces for twenty days in K. Girifushi, however Thalhath said that he is not detained. He said that Judge Abdulla is free to meet his family and lawyers anytime he wishes to.

Thalhath further said that the defence forces are active in controlling the protests only if the Police make a request for their assistance. He said that the security forces will not listen to criticism, regardless of how much criticism is aimed at them.

Two members of DRP walked out of the committee meeting, stating that Home Minister Hassan Afeef and Thalhath failed to reply to their questions.

MNDF did not comply with any court order to release Judge Abdulla. The Supreme Court issued an order indicating that the Judge is arrested in violation of the law, and therefore must be released immediately. The Human Rights Commission has also requested MNDF to release him.